Tag Archives | marine mammals

SeaWorld Fined For Killer Conditions

June 18, 2013

(CAPTIVE ANIMALS) ORLANDO —Three years after the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau at the Orlando theme park, SeaWorld has been fined $38,500 and labeled a repeat offender for continuing to employ trainers in unsafe working conditions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has imposed the fine after a follow-up investigation of the safety procedures at SeaWorld. The drowning of Dawn Brancheau in 2010 by an aggravated whale named Tilikum was certainly not an isolated incident. Read on to learn more about the dangers of working in close proximity with wild animals and the problems with SeaWorld. — Global Animal

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Bleak Endings For Belugas At Marineland Canada

June 7, 2013

(MARINE PARKS) ONTARIO — The ocean life at Marineland Canada is subjected to a bleak environment consisting of glass barriers, screaming children, overstressed parents, and roller coasters. Last week, a park spokesperson confirmed speculation surrounding these unsafe conditions, specifically the deaths of two young beluga whales. This information was brought to light in October 18, 2012, when the Toronto Star reported the park suddenly lost two young belugas. Although no specific date of death has been given for either animal, Charlotte, a three-year-old beluga, died sometime in Fall 2012, and Luna, a one-year-old, died sometime earlier this year. Read on to learn more about the controversial history of Marineland Canada. — Global Animal

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Swine Flu Strikes Seals

May 16, 2013

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) The swine flu virus has been found in elephant seals off the central coast of California, according to a recent study. The research is the first to report the H1N1 virus in marine mammals, which shows influenza viruses can be transferred among species. During the study, scientists encountered two northern elephant seals who were infected, and they discovered an additional 28 seals carrying swine flu antibodies. Keep reading for more information on the highly contagious virus and this enlightening study. — Global Animal

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Dolphins, The Ultimate Sleep-Swimmers

April 26, 2013

(OCEANS) The things that keep most of us up at night, may have dolphins sleeping easy. But interestingly enough, our marine mammal friends might not need it. Dolphins have a unique ability to sleep with only half of their brains, keeping the other half alert while they rest. This function allows dolphins to avoid predators, and surface for air, while they remain at rest. Continue reading below in order to find out more about this interesting study. — Global Animal

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Changing Polarities

April 17, 2013

(POLAR BEARS) According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the polar bear population has decreased by over 30 percent over 45 years. Not only do these bears suffer from a dwindling environment, but they face other pressures as well. The good news is that polar bears seem to be finding a way to adapt to their conditions. However, whether or not that adaptation leads to the disappearance of what we know as the polar bear today, remains in question. Continue reading to find out what the future holds for the polar bear. — Global Animal

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Look Who’s Talking

April 17, 2013

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) It looks like Doctor Dolittle might not have been so special after all—as it turns out, animals really can talk! According to a new study, bottlenose dolphins can actually identify the vocal patterns of other dolphins familiar to them. What’s more, scientists have observed variations in these patterns that imply bottlenose dolphins may in fact be sharing additional information with one another. However, this news really comes as no surprise seeing as though dolphins are the second smartest animal in the world—second only to humans. Regardless, this level of communication between species is uncommon and could mean big news for the future understanding of animal communication. Continue reading to find out what scientists believe this could mean for the animal world. — Global Animal

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Un-Seal This Deal (VIDEO)

April 12, 2013

(WILDLIFE) On Tuesday, the Elmer Fudds of the world finally came out of their icy hovels, in order to partake in Canada’s now infamous seal hunt. Although the commercial hunt is widely panned by the majority of Canadian citizens, and increasingly obsolete, it has refused to fade away completely. The Canadian Government is no doubt the biggest enabler of this barbaric practice, over funding at great lengths to sustain a needless industry, with the use of taxpayers’ money. Read on to find out more about Canada’s commercial seal hunt and the concerns revolving around this obsolete and inhumane practice. — Global Animal

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Protest Marine Mammal Captivity At uShaka Sea World

April 6, 2013

(ACTIVISM) SOUTH AFRICA — Each year, thousands of dolphins are slaughtered in Taiji on the south coast of Japan. Bottlenose dolphins are then pre-selected by trainers and sold for as much as $200,000 to marine parks all over the world such as Marineland, where the animals remain in captivity and are forced to perform circus acts for their entire lives. Aquariums defend their actions as “rescuing” animals, but in reality, the captive industry is subsidizing hunts which may not have been conducted otherwise. Today and May 25th, Ocean Watch SA is hosting a protest at uShaka Sea World to advocate for the rehabilitation and release of captive animals. Read on to learn more about Ocean Watch SA and sign the petition below telling uSkaka Sea World to retire their wild caught dolphins, Gambit and Frodo, ensure animals not disturbed after hours, stop breeding captive breeding programs, and only practice rehabilitation and release. — Global Animal

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